Former aides threaten Delta govt, assembly with legal action over unpaid allowances

The Forum of Past Political Aides to Delta State House of Assembly members have drawn a battle line with the state government and the assembly.

They did not just issue a stern warning to the assembly and the state government over unpaid allowances but threatened legal action if their furniture and severance allowances are not paid.

The 5th, 6th and 7th Assembly FPPA in a letter dated June 6, 2024, addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, through their legal counsel, D.O. Jarikre and Associates, expressed frustration with the government’s failure to address their numerous requests for payment.

They emphasized that despite multiple correspondences, the allowances have not been disbursed.

The legal team stated: “Our clients have informed us and provided several documents which we believe to be true, showing that they are the current executive of the Forum of Past Political Aides of the 5th, 6th, and 7th Assembly, Delta State House of Assembly.”

According to the forum members, those who served during the 5th Assembly are yet to receive their furniture allowances, while aides from the 5th, 6th, and 7th Assemblies are still owed severance allowances.

The letter further revealed that several benefits and allowances due to the aides were not paid during their tenure.

D.O. Jarikre and Associates highlighted the forum’s efforts to resolve the issue, citing various letters sent since July 28, 2022.

“Despite appeals to the Delta State Government, including a recent one addressed to Governor Oborevwori, no payments have been received,” it stated.

The legal team noted that the Governor’s Chief of Staff advised the Forum to direct their request to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, who also served in the 6th Assembly.

“However, there has been no response, even after a reminder sent on April 23, 2024,” it stated.

In a final demand, the legal team requested the payment of all outstanding allowances within 30 days from June 6, 2024.

The letter warned that failure to comply would result in the initiation of legal proceedings against the Delta State Government for breach of contract.

The aides’ appointment letters stated that they are entitled to 300 percent of their Annual Basic Salary as a furniture allowance and the same amount as severance gratuity, payable upon the successful completion of their tenure or on a pro-rata basis after two years of service.

As the issue unfolds, the former aides stand firm in their demand for fair compensation, while the Delta State Government faces the possibility of legal action if the outstanding allowances are not paid within the stipulated time.